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ACLU eyes trooper investigation

The American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado said Monday it’s watching developments in the investigation of Jason Kemp’s death and already has approached some of those involved in the matter.

Mark Silverstein, legal director for the Denver-based ACLU branch, declined to specify the group’s involvement or explain how they became involved.

“We have talked to some of the people who are concerned about what’s going on out there,” Silverstein said, adding a staff attorney has made queries. “They asked us to look into something and wanted to know if everything was kosher.

“At this point, from what we understand, a police officer used deadly force without justification and ended a young man’s life,” Silverstein added. “We’re certainly hoping police who use deadly force without justification are held accountable.

Hautzinger on Monday confirmed that a grand jury has been asked to investigate the shooting of Kemp July 20 by a Colorado State Patrol trooper. Three troopers remain on paid administrative leave related to the shooting.

ACLU of Colorado, a nonprofit agency, has been an advocate by way of lawsuits in numerous matters of alleged or confirmed law-enforcement misconduct, mostly on the Front Range.